Activists protest Chinese auto manufacturer's labor violations

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A coalition of advocacy groups and nonprofits protested today outside the offices of Build Your Dreams Motors, a multi-national Chinese auto manufacturer that has come under fire after labor violations were discovered by state officials. The company received fines totaling nearly $100,000 by state officials after investigations revealed that they were paying workers from China at a rate of $1.50 an hour alongside a $50 "allowance" each day. BYD has defended itself, saying that the employees in question are receiving educational training in their jobs in addition to their wages. The protestors are calling on the cities of Los Angeles and Long Beach to sever contracts with BYD that would allow the company to give the cities with dozens of electric buses.

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